Staff Writer Elouise Davies offers an engaging review of the ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ sharing their praise for the recent West End performance.
Showing at the Dominion Theatre during its strictly limited run before continuing on its UK tour, ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ shines in the West End. Written by Richard O’Brien, the show follows couple Brad and Janet, who after being caught in a storm, encounter the gender-bending Dr Frank-N-Furter in the midst of his Frankenstein-esque experiment.
I was first introduced to ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ when I discovered the wonders of the ‘Time Warp’, fascinated by the song and the peculiar characters, such as Riff-Raff who features prominently in the film and stage show. The film was a pleasant surprise, full of unusual characters, catchy songs, and shocking plot twists. I was quickly captivated by its quirky nature that celebrates difference and I was eager to see the show live on stage. The stage show lives up to the reputation of the movie and provides a unique theatrical experience. This derives from a deep culture that originates from audiences participating alongside the movie while the film was being shown.
The initial appeal for the show, first created in 1973, lies in its inspiration from genres such as science-fiction and B-movies of the period. Its quick decision to turn the show into a movie ensured its position today as a cult classic, rapidly boosting the film to fame; this lies partly in turn due to Tim Curry’s unforgettable performance. Curry’s subversive role as Frank-N-Furter, becoming an icon of gender non-conformity, boosted the film’s popularity, especially amongst a queer audience, who found themselves portrayed on screens. Part of the film’s popularity also comes from the fact that it functioned as a social event for people to connect – ‘Rocky Horror’ proudly spreads the message that it is okay to be different, allowing fans to proudly gather as part of the cult following that has allowed the show to continue to entertain today. Hence, new traditions were created as people gathered to watch and participate in the movie. Its unapologetic nature furthered the show’s appeal, with a timeless message of acceptance, reminding the audience that one should always unapologetically be themselves.
Jason Donovan leads the show during his reprisal of Dr Frank-N-Furter, stepping into corsets and high heels as he returns to the iconic role again in London after 25 years. While it is hard to forget Tim Curry’s iconic performance in the movie, Donovan’s performance is effortless as his charismatic and flirtatious nature lends itself perfectly to playing the gender-bending alien. His confidence on stage is fundamental to the characterisation of Frank-N-Furter, strutting proudly around his castle and wearing his uniqueness with delight. This allows Frank to be characterised as independently bold. Adding to this, his interactions with others on stage also feel natural as Donovan perfectly encases the role. He provides a certainly unforgettable performance from the moment he steps on stage during ‘Sweet Transvestite’ to the curtain call.
Not only does Donovan bring a natural charm to the show, but the cult classic show itself feels just as fresh and exciting after 50 years on the stage. The cast feels just as invested in the show as the audience, sharing in their enthusiasm together. Still delighting many today, the songs remain memorable, continuing to invite the audience to dance and sing along, with audience interaction as alive as ever. The show’s unwavering cult following ensures the back-and-forth interactions between the audience and the show’s narrator are still a long-running tradition. Mawaan Rizwan, stepping into the role of the narrator, maintains this tradition with his quick and sarcastic responses that keep the audience invested and involved, providing a unique and energetic feel.
The chaotic nature of the show – featuring aliens from ‘Transexual Transylvania’, Eddie (a charming but short-lived character, performing ‘Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul’), and couple Brad and Janet who provide a dichotomy between the normal world as we know it and the tumultuous world of ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ – makes it impossible not to have fun and join the crowd in their communal glee. The songs, characters, suggestive nature of Frank-N-Furter, and joined audience participation make ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
‘Rocky Horror’ is not just a show, but a communal experience, celebrating individual differences and self-expression, where all are welcome. From Dr Frank-N-Furter’s outrageous behaviour to the grounded narrator, the show provides a welcome place for audiences of all kinds to not only see individuality be celebrated on stage but to be involved in this themselves – be it through dressing up for the occasion in sequins and corsets, the widely encouraged call backs, or simply being able to dance to the ‘Time Warp’ again. Not only does this participation captivate the audience, but the use of lighting also encompasses them through this adventure. As the ‘Time Warp’ is performed, disco balls and laser lights are used both on stage and around the theatre, projecting onto the audience to entice everyone into performing ‘a jump to the left and then a step to the right’. This further adds to the encouraged audience participation and makes it feel as if one is surrounded by the world of ‘Rocky Horror’ without ever having to leave their very seats.
Even after 50 years, enough people are dedicated to the show to recognise and enact these same significant prompts in the audience each night. This same unspoken script given by the audience each performance allows ‘Rocky Horror’ to maintain its continued status as a cult classic, remaining just as popular today – this keeps the show as fresh and alive as ever.
Audience participation is a vital aspect of the show, as it is specifically set up for the cast to interact with the audience; this helps with the flow of the show as the narrator frequently interrupts the story to allow the audience to guide it along in their own personal way. This develops a sense of community and heightens the show’s entertainment factor – when looking back on the show, one of the most memorable parts is of the audience participating together and sharing in their exhilaration. In this way, traditional theatre etiquette is forgotten and the audience becomes almost as vital to the running of the show as the cast. As Frank-N-Furter sang, ‘don’t dream it, be it’; embrace the audience’s shared excitement and participation for a truly unique theatre experience that cannot be found anywhere else.
Having only seen the film beforehand, the show does not disappoint. Donovan brings his own fresh take on the character that gives the stage show its own unforgettable touch. This thrilling yet exciting adventure is a magical show that I am already keen to see once more, and I will soon be rewatching the film to re-live the magic and experience the ‘Time Warp’ again.
